Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has reflected on her journey to stardom, revealing the struggles she faced in being taken seriously when she started her music career.

In a candid interview with CNN, the 30-year-old artiste said feelings of isolation and lack of support marked the early phase of her career.

Tems admitted that both as a singer and a producer, she had to fight to earn respect in an industry that initially didn’t recognize her potential.

“It was really hard to get people to take me seriously, not just as a producer but as a singer,” she said. “I didn’t feel safe, and I didn’t feel seen or supported for a very long time.”

Tems, who has become a global symbol of originality, described authenticity as her guiding principle and the foundation of her art.

“Authenticity is everything to me. That’s the one thing I cannot compromise on because that’s all I have — who I really am,” she stated.

Beyond her music, Tems is now channeling her experiences into building opportunities for other women in the industry through her initiative, The Leading Vibe.

The platform focuses on empowering women who work behind the scenes — such as producers, managers, and sound engineers — and aims to make them more visible.

“There are so many talented women who can be producers, managers, and audio engineers, but they’re not even visible,” she explained.

“I want to make them visible and create a space where we can redefine how women in music are perceived.”

Tems added that her vision goes beyond Nigeria, revealing plans to expand the initiative across Africa.

“We’re definitely taking this beyond Nigeria. Actually, we’re going to Kenya next. There are women everywhere who just need to feel seen. All they need is that platform, all they need is that chance,” she said.